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Changing the World: Thunder’s Story

Every once in a while, we at SmartPak come across a truly unique and inspiring story of a horse and its owner. Thunder’s story is one of those. Right from the beginning, you’ll be able to feel the connection between these two – a connection that was almost lost a few years ago due to an episode of colic. Before you watch, here’s a word to the wise – get your tissues ready.

Since this video was first published, the horse world lost a truly wonderful soul as Thunder the Wonder Horse passed away. Like all of the horses we’re lucky to serve at SmartPak, Thunder was an incredible soul. He changed the world for countless students in the therapy program in which he served for over 23 years, and was beloved by the volunteers who worked so closely with him every day. We were honored to be a part of his care team for so many years and are proud to continue to honor the way he changed the world, four hooves at a time with this video.

A note from SmartPaker Sarah:
“At SmartPak, we’re on a mission. We’re making the world a better place, using our smarts to power healthy horses and happy riders. From creating innovative solutions (like SmartPaks) to offering expert advice and information that makes riders a little bit smarter, we’re changing the world, four hooves at a time.”

That’s an excerpt from our Brand Playbook, which is basically the “how-to” guide we use to ensure that everything we do at SmartPak stays focused on healthy horses and happy riders. And I don’t just love it because I helped author it. I love it because it speaks to the heart of the reason that I came to SmartPak 10 years ago, and the reason I’m so excited to come in again every morning. We truly are on a mission, and we’re doing our best to make the world a better place for horses and the riders who love them.

Like most of the riders we’re lucky enough to serve, horses have changed my life. From my first pony through my current horse, Cody, who’s been my partner for over 22 years, horses have been the constant in my ever-changing life, anchoring me back to the hardworking, patient, empathetic, athletic woman I’m proud to have become. After spending the last decade having thousands of conversations with passionate horse owners from all walks of life, I know that I’m not alone. Horses truly change the world, which is why I’m so proud to be helping SmartPak change the world four hooves at a time.

Recently, I was lucky enough to take a trip out to Pennsylvania to visit a horse who has changed the lives of hundreds of students of all ages and abilities. Thunder (aka “Thunder the Wonder Horse”), has been serving as a therapeutic riding horse at Sebastian Riding Associates for over 23 years! We’ve been lucky enough to support him with supplements in SmartPaks for many of those years, and three years ago, we were honored to be able to help his “dad,” Jeff, and the team at Sebastian afford the colic surgery that saved Thunder’s life, through our ColiCare program.

Meeting Thunder was a dream come true on so many levels. I’m lucky enough to be on the team that reviews the success stories that we feature in our blog, catalogs, and horse health guides, and I fell in love with Jeff and Thunder’s photos the first time he sent them in. As part of the ColiCare team, I remember learning that Thunder needed surgery, and I was so nervous for him because I knew he was an older guy, but I was so relieved to hear that they were going to give him a chance – everyone at SmartPak was rooting for him, and we all cheered when we heard he was shipping home! A year later, I was thrilled to be able to feature him and Jeff in our “Success! Life After Colic Surgery” article, and as our PATH Horse of the Month. So, I guess you could say I’m a bit of a fangirl. And let me tell you – meeting him in person absolutely beat all my wildest expectations.

In the chilly December air, his coat was downier, softer, and fluffier than any pony I’ve ever snuggled (and I’ve snuggled a lot of ponies). He was the perfect mix of spunky & naughty and wonderfully earnest & affectionate – like all the very best horses. I was beyond overjoyed when Jeff offered me the chance to ride him, and as I walked him around on a loose rein, I had the goofiest little kid grin plastered across my face. After a lap or two around the ring, I leaned down and hugged his neck, burying my face in his perfectly palomino coat and breathed in that earthy horsey smell that will forever be home to me. And I thanked him. I thanked him for the ride, and for being such a wonderful teacher to so many students, and for being such a great friend to Jeff, and for reminding me, once again, that horses really do change the world, and that I’m lucky to be a SmartPaker, changing the world four hooves at a time.

If you enjoyed Thunder’s story, I hope you’ll take a minute to stop by Sebastian Riding Associates’ Facebook page to leave a note for Thunder, Jeff, Chris, and the other amazing horses and volunteers who are changing the world in big and little ways, every day.

So glad you are taking care of him Jeff. I will never forget the day we picked him up & brought him to Sebastians! He was living in a small space in the woods with just a tiny run-in shed. He quickly became the star of the program. I believe we saved his life & he continues to “pay it forward”!

I know Jeffery I’ve not yet met Thunder. But I know how strong their bond is and how much that beautiful little palomino means to him and everyone at Sebastian’s.
I had tears when I read this story and then, when I watched the video I had uncontrollable tears and I’m now typing through them. I established an equine non profit eighteen years ago and what I see here, between Jeffrey and Thunder, and everyone at Sebastian s is what we wish and hope for every animal – someone to love them with all their heart and soul. That deep love is so apparent here. What a beautiful story about a very deserving horse who obviously loves what he does . Wishing Thunder many more years of happiness.

You have a wonderful place there, Bev. The world is a much better place with places like Sebastian’s (looks amazing although I’ve not visited) and your Bright Futures Farm, which I recently traveled 8 hours to visit Markie and all.
Horses make life so much better.

I got my start with horses as a volunteer at Sebastian’s back in 1990. Horses have been a part of my soul ever since. Thunder came after I left Sebastian’s, but every equine I ever met there is a prime example of the gentle spirit of the horse. Thank you, SmartPak for enabling Thunder to be saved. 🙂

Thank you for sharing. Had tears in my eyes, not only for Thunder’s story, but for several of my own horses that have become monuments in my heart. Horses do change the world, one hoof beat at a time!!! The world is just plain simplier and more genuine on a horse. God bless all those fur covered hearts and the people who love them.
Diane

Great story but I have one that “beats” it. I volunteer at NVTRP (northern Virginia therapeutic riding program) and we have a welsh pony/Arab mix named Peachy Keen who is 37 years old and up until about 5 years ago she was still serving as a fantastic Theraputic Path certified pony. She’s retired now and enjoying her “me” time but she’s was, is and always will be a “Superstar”!!!

I don’t know Thunder or Jeffrey or Sebastian’s, but I do know that is one beautiful story!!! Not only the content but the production value as well — spot on! Well done Smartpak – just like everything you do!

I don’t know Thunder or Jeffrey or Sebastian’s, but I do know that is one beautiful story!!! Not only the content but the production value as well — spot on! Well done Smartpak – just like everything you do! Thank you.

Very sweet story. I have a 32 year old paint/pinto gelding, named Jake. He is feisty at times and just the best companion for my dressage horse, Adonis. I would do almost anything to ensure he has a happy and healthy retirement. The older horses have such heart and soul. Merry Christmas.

Loved reading Thunder’s story! It brought tears to my eyes. It is so obvious that the folks at Smartpak are true horse people.
I was surprised and thrilled when I saw the picture of Kosi and me used to advertise the Colicare program in your blanket catalog. Keep up the good work!

Wish I would have grabbed my box of tissues before watching! Thank you for taking such good care of a horse who gives so much to so many. There is a special place in heaven for folks like you. Merry Christmas to all!

What a beautiful success story. Watching the video brought back so many memories of my horse that I basically grew up with. Thunder reminds me so much of my Willie who was 3 when I got him and 31 when he passed away. It has been over 15 years since I lost him but the pain is still fresh in my heart and sometimes I still cry.Love and blessing for Thunder and all those who love and care for him.

Thank you for posting the story of Thunder. What an amazing horse and so well-loved! It made me cry — so beautiful and reminds me of how Colicare was there for us nearly a year ago.
My senior rescue, Stormy, had colic surgery last year for a strangulating lipoma and made a legendary recovery. Stormy has stolen the hearts of everyone with his personality and youthful attitude (he thinks he’s 3 and I won’t tell him differently). Thank you for being there for us, Colicare.

Thank you so much for Thunder’s story! I hope and pray he is with Jeff for many more years to come. I am joining the colicare program. I have a horse who is turning 21 in April and he is my best friend.

This was such an amazing story about Jeff and Thunder, especially when he’s being used as a therapy horse. I love horses myself as when I was younger we had gotten a big pony, then we ended up selling her and getting a bigger size horse. She was my favorite as her name was Tonka . Part Morgan and part quarter horse. We had her I am not sure how long but we took her to horse shows and she did really well. My sister sue and I were the horse back riders. Well it’s been a long time since I have had a horse but my sister sue has one. Her name is precious. Well I am not sure if I can ride now as I have back issues but I still love to be around them. Need to do it more often.

I have the privilege of knowing both Thunder and Jeff they are an amazing duo. As we live many miles apart I have to settle for loving Thunder from afar and by occasionally phone visits while Jeff is at the barn. Thunder just captures your heart. Plus he is a stouter twin of my pali pony

Wonderful story and wonderful horse. I too had a horse very similar, he lived to be nearly 39 I still miss him. He too did some therapy lessons with an autistic boy and was always calm, safe, and enjoyable. Just love these older horses who find their niche and stay active, useful and happy.

What a beautiful way to start my day with the Thunder story! I had a horse when I was 12 for a summer and had to give him back because we couldnt afford him. Heartbreaking! Im 66 now and still hope to get another horse. I would love to share the experience with my 7 year old grandaughter. Love you Thunder, Jeffrey and all the wonderful people who have helped him and the people he has helped.! Suz

What a beautiful story…thank you for sharing it. Yes these magnificent creatures can open our hearts and change our lives forever. Their abilities are far beyond what many realize, as they possess a sixth sense about people and are capable of such great compassion.

Greetings, love, and many blessings from Minnesota! I use SmartPak Ultra Digest and other SmartPak supplements for all five of my horses, and am so happy that I took the time to open and read this email from them this morning!! Reading Thunder’s story, and getting to know him through all the wonderful things said about him, really brightened my morning! He is obviously one of those “heart horses” that God sends to bless and enrich the lives of all who get to know him. I pray that Thunder is blessed with many more healthy and happy years.❤️

I have some sad news. Thunder passed away on June 5th 2018 at approximately 11:15 AM Eastern time. He was surrounded by a lot of his human friends along with his pasture mate.

Thunder was having breathing problems with the hot weather we had on Saturday and his regular medicine wasn’t responding. His condition worsened even as the weather got cooler. We took him up to the Vet and they did an ultrasound and that is when we found the lymphoma. It was in his lungs and could not be removed. We knew he wouldn’t get better and Thunder did tell us it was time for him to leave. He was brought back home and the next day we went into his pasture surrounded by his human friends and his pasture mate. He was given a sedative and then the “sleepy meds”. He passed very peacefully in his field with golden buttercups which matched his golden coat and heart of gold. After he was gone, there was a tear in his eye. He didn’t want to leave us, but he knew he had to. He is running free and we will meet again one day. He is reunited with his girlfriend Missy and other pasture mates so he is not alone. There have been many signs in the sky telling us that he has arrived at his new home, such as rainbows, sunbeams, and a horse shaped cloud.

He passed with honor and dignity. I am fortunate that I was able to be his friend for 23 years who lived to a great age of 31 and we could say good-bye to our friend. Thunder is truly a wonder horse. Godspeed Thunder!

Thank you SmartPak, you helped give Thunder almost 4 more years of life with his colic surgery. Thank you for telling the world his story. You get us crazy horse people as you are one of us. Sarah, you are one of the best. I’m glad Thunder loved you and he kept telling me about the kiss he got from you!! He is a lucky horse.

I wanted to share how Thunder continues to change the world, and how this story by SmartPak helped make it possible. I was a volunteer at Sebastian Riding Associates as a young teenager (I’m in my 40s now). I remember being 13 or 14 years old and admiring the riding instructors there, thinking how I would love that job someday. As often happens with volunteers, I left SRA a few years later when I went away to college, started a family, and life just got in the way. However, I always remembered how being a volunteer there helped shape the good things about who I am, and I always wanted to return. In the summer of 2015, I became a riding instructor at a trail riding ranch just across the creek from Sebastian, and continued to think, “someday I’ll have to go back there.”

In April of 2017, I purchased a horse and started him on SmartPaks. Over the following year, I started watching all of the fun videos that the SmartPaks Team publishes on YouTube. I stumbled across Thunder’s Story. That’s how I knew it was time to go back to Sebastian. I signed on as a volunteer and Therapeutic Instructor in Training there. By June, I completed my training and was hired as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor and had started my journey to become a Certified Registered Therapeutic Instructor through PATH International. On September 9, 2018, I completed my certification tests and passed.

I am now living my dream from over 20 years ago, of working as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor, allowing me to enrich the lives of my students and be touched by those same students and their families. Thunder’s Story brought me full circle to living my dream, and even though we lost him on June 5th of this year, his legacy will live on through the lives of the countless people he inspired.

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